RCCG Funds Evacuation of 114 More Nigerians From South Africa

The Federal Government has evacuated another 114 Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) funding their return tickets.

The returnees, comprising 57 men, 23 women and 34 children, arrived in Lagos at about 8.30pm on Thursday aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other relevant federal agencies received them on arrival.

In a statement issued on Friday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the evacuation tickets came from the $265,854 donated by the RCCG to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

With the latest operation, the church has funded the evacuation of 432 Nigerians under the ongoing exercise.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support for the humanitarian operation.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria fully appreciates the RCCG, under the leadership of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its charitable financial support towards this humanitarian exercise,” the statement said.

The latest evacuation marked the 16th consular exercise since the government began the operation on June 10, 2026, bringing the total number of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa to 2,151.

The government has fully funded the return of 1,388 of the evacuees, while the RCCG’s donation has supported the evacuation of hundreds of others.

The Federal Government also condemned xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, and urged South African authorities to take decisive steps to protect people regardless of their nationality.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of xenophobic and Afrophobic hostilities directed at foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa,” the statement said.

It called on South African authorities to ensure that those responsible for violence against foreign nationals face accountability.

The ministry said the government would sustain engagement with relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.

It advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety amid the concerns.

The government also urged them to maintain regular contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular assistance when necessary.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely consular support whenever required.